The Long Hot Ride, LA - We Love It - Mariscos Linda, Red Snapper, Kasey- Day 33

When we got up and packed we knew it was going to be a hot one. The temp started out at 94F then rose throughout the day as we rode US 5 through California. The mountains and hillsides were burnt and brown due to the heat and lack of rain or irrigation. As we rode through the state the temps definitely increased - all the way up to 113F by mid afternoon.

As we frequently stopped at rest areas and gas stations to hydrate and wet out helmets, gloves and neck scarves - the only brief relief we had from the heat.

As we were going through LA in bumper to bumper rush hour traffic for about a 1/2 hour, Ed's bike overheated. His instruments lit up like a Christmas Tree, so we pulled over at the first exit. Luck would have it that we found ourselves in East LA. We parked the bikes on a residential street lined with homes with bars on the door and windows. Two big Latino guys were sitting on the porch across the street probably wondering what these 2 Gringos were doing in this part of the hood. Well, since we really couldn't go anywhere, we figured we'd try to get something to eat and hope that the traffic and the engine temperature subsided by the time we were done.

Ed checks the GPS and sees a McD's, BK and some other fast food places nearby. Not really wanting fast food, I asked a UPS driver making a delivery across the street if there was someplace nearby to grab some dinner. He recommended a place around the corner named Mariscos Linda. Not knowing any better , and looking to find a better location to hole up, we moved on down the block and around the cornet to he restaurant. Well, tonight was just full of surprises. We park on the main road in front oof the place, and not really sure if it's open or not, I try the side red vinyl covered door and walk right into a dark bar. As my eyes adjust to the darkness, I see guys sitting around the bar and at small round tables in cowboy hats, a Mariachi band playing - what else - Mariachi music, talk in Spanish and laughter all abound - until I walk into the bar that is. Then I felt all got quiet and all eyes were on the Gringo. Where's Ed? I look behind me and see the door opening nad Ed entering. Make sure he sees me and we go through swinging saloon doors into a brightly lit restaurant dining room. There are only 2 tables in there with patrons. The décor was  - what else - genuinely Mexican with bright colors and Mexican decorations.

We took a table and the waitress came over with menus and asked what we want to drink - Cervezas, of course - Dos Equis obviously. She comes back with the beers. After what we've been through today, they hit the spot. Ahhhhh.....  I look over the menu -  it's in Spanish but has photos of the meals - kind of like Chinese take out.  I order the Whole Red Snapper dinner. It came with a salad, potato wedges, rice and a roll or tortillas. Ed orders the same. The dinner comes out and it looks just like the picture on the menu. And it was delicious. We made fish tacos and enjoyed every bite. 

After dinner, we headed out on the last leg of our journey tonight - to San Diego. Only 2 hours away, we made it in 1 hour 40. We were guided to Kasey;s apartment with her trying to read a map over the phone - too a detour - got back on point and made it there safe and sound.

She greeted us at the curb and it was so great to see her after more than a year. She looks great!

Spent some time talking and finally conked out around 11PM.

Logged 580 miles today, 10,400 since I began. Long day, long ride, sweltering heat. But all is good!